ebayfish Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 While working on my 3" body lift, the biggest problem I ran into along with the dozen or so mall ones was the extending the steering shaft on the spines. We tried penetrating oil, beating & banging on it, even hooked it between 2 trucks & pulled with a ratchi-strap. We finally got it to spread with a high lift jack & chains. we clamped vise grips on either side above the spines & it finally moved. Hopefully it goes easier for everyone else, but I'd figure I'd share if anyone else runs into the same issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPath88 Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 Did you ever apply heat? And how early did you start soaking it with PB Blaster, usually best to start a few days to a week or more ahead of time., then if needed couple it with heat and cool cycles. But, you got it and that is all that matters in the end Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 I just had someone keep tapping it with a hammer while we lifted the body and it moved with ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebayfish Posted December 15, 2014 Author Share Posted December 15, 2014 Pb went on 2 or 3 days prior & leading up to it. Ran the torch across it a few times too. The joys of a 20 year old vehicle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 Mine moved like a brand new part with no heat or lube soak when I did mine. Sometimes my luck is good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahardb0dy Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 years ago when I installed the Trailmaster body lift kit in my former 87, the kit came with a longer shaft, It was a pain for you, but you got it ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jj big shoe Posted December 16, 2014 Share Posted December 16, 2014 Mine was the typical PITA too but the biggest issue is I never could get the steering wheel to line up perfectly true. Its still off a bit no matter what spline I stick it on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahardb0dy Posted December 16, 2014 Share Posted December 16, 2014 alignment can straighten the steering wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jj big shoe Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 alignment can straighten the steering wheel Yeah probably, but after taking mine to three different shops and having each one screw it up I do my own in the driveway now. I was thinking I could adjust the tie rods and get it straightened out but that job ended up low on the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nefarious Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 It's easy to do in your driveway. Just have someone sit and hold the steering wheel perfectly centered while you adjust the tie rods (I use the string method, but there are a few). After swapping pitman arms/switching to 2wd steering, you get good at re centering things Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 I don't know how you got that pitman arm nut off. I broke my breaker bar trying to get it to budge. I gave up and am going to drill it out on the truck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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